Research the requirements in your country/state (licenses, registration, consumer protection rules)
Choose a business model (travel agency, home-based agency, host agency, online agency)
Decide your travel niche (leisure, corporate, cruises, luxury, groups, destination weddings, budget travel)
Build travel knowledge (destinations, booking systems, fares, policies, visa basics, travel insurance basics)
Get training or certification (industry courses, tourism programs, agency training)
Join a host agency or professional network (if applicable) to access training, supplier rates, and support
Apply for required licenses/registrations (if needed) and set up your business entity (if required)
Register for a business bank account and accounting system
Obtain required insurance (general liability, professional liability/errors & omissions, bond if required)
Learn booking and ticketing tools (GDS/CRS if applicable, or supplier/OTA platforms)
Establish relationships with suppliers (airlines, hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, ground transportation)
Set your pricing and fee structure (commissions, service fees, packages, retainer options)
Create travel policies for clients (cancellations, refunds, deposits, service terms)
Build your client acquisition plan (website, social media, referrals, partnerships with local businesses)
Create marketing materials (service menu, sample itineraries, destination guides, email templates)
Set up customer service workflows (inquiry handling, response times, documentation checklist)
Develop compliance practices (privacy policy, recordkeeping, payment handling rules)
Set up payment processing (merchant account or invoicing options) and refund/chargeback procedures
Launch a portfolio (sample itineraries, curated packages, testimonials, case studies)
Start with a small set of destinations and suppliers to refine operations and processes
Track sales performance and customer feedback to improve offerings and conversion
Continue professional development (new destinations, fare rules, policy updates, certifications)